Desquamative Perioral Dermatitis in Pregnancy: A Case Report

Dermatitis peribucal descamativa en el embarazo: Reporte de caso

Authors

  • Natacha Belén Andrade-Cabrera Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo. Guayaquil, Ecuador.
  • Katty Magdalena Barahona-Ochoa Universidad de Cuenca. Cuenca, Ecuador.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22258/hgh.v10i1.397

Abstract

Desquamative perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory dermatosis affecting the perioral region. Its onset or exacerbation during pregnancy may be influenced by hormonal changes and the increased skin reactivity characteristic of this stage. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics, triggering factors, diagnosis, and management of desquamative perioral dermatitis, highlighting safe therapeutic considerations during pregnancy. We present the case of a 32-year-old pregnant patient, in her 11th week of gestation, with a history of intermittent perioral erythema of several years' duration and repeated use of high-potency topical corticosteroids. The diagnosis was established through clinical evaluation, based on the typical morphology and distribution of the lesions, characterized by a desquamative erythematous plaque located in the perioral region, predominantly on the chin and nasolabial folds, sparing the vermilion border of the lips, and accompanied by moderate pruritus, without signs of superinfection. Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and a history of prolonged use of topical corticosteroids were identified as predisposing and triggering factors. Management consisted of discontinuing the topical corticosteroids and recommending gentle skin care measures, with a favorable clinical outcome. In conclusion, perioral scaly dermatitis can be exacerbated during pregnancy; its diagnosis is primarily clinical, and treatment should focus on eliminating triggering factors and using safe topical therapies, allowing for a favorable outcome without compromising maternal and fetal health. Keywords: Dermatitis, Perioral; Corticosteroids; Erythema; Pregnancy (Source: MeSH, NLM).

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Author Biographies

Natacha Belén Andrade-Cabrera, Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo. Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Médica, Posgradista de Dermatología. Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo. Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Katty Magdalena Barahona-Ochoa, Universidad de Cuenca. Cuenca, Ecuador.

Médica, Posgradista de Ginecología y Obstetricia. Universidad de Cuenca. Cuenca, Ecuador.

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Published

2026-03-15

How to Cite

Andrade-Cabrera, N. B., & Barahona-Ochoa, K. M. (2026). Desquamative Perioral Dermatitis in Pregnancy: A Case Report: Dermatitis peribucal descamativa en el embarazo: Reporte de caso. Peruvian Journal of Health Care and Global Health, 10(1), 64–67. https://doi.org/10.22258/hgh.v10i1.397

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Case reports

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Copyright (c) 2026 Natacha Belén Andrade-Cabrera, Katty Magdalena Barahona-Ochoa

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